When we lived in Texas (just a few miles from George Strait’s ranch), we noticed a few different things about that state: most Texans consider non-Texans foreigners, they have great barbecue and they place a star of Texas on every building, home, overpass, and printable surface possible. We were curious. What was the historical significance of that five point star, often displayed in tarnished bronze metal? A governmental display is understandable, but why did so many people choose to display it on their homes? After moving, we spotted the same star gracing homes thousands of miles away. No other state symbol carries over into its citizens’ lives and homes in quite the same way. So what is so special about the star of Texas?

The answer, at first, seems obvious. The Texasstate flag displays a single, or “lone” star, against a field of blue, with two horizontal stripes of red and white. The state seal is the single five-point star, flanked with a semi-circular olive branch to the right and a live oak branch to the left. The star and branches are within a circle, with “The State of Texas” lettering encircling the outer perimeter. This seal was approved in 1836, except at that time, Texaswas an independent country, and the seal read “The Republic of Texas.” When Texasjoined the United States in 1845, they retained the design of the seal.

How the Star of TexasCame to Be But why the star? Did it represent the feelings of the first settlers who followed Stephen Austin to the territory in the 1820’s after they posted “Gone to Texas” on their ramshackle American homes? Did it symbolize their hopes of brighter prosperity?

Since many of those settlers had strong ties to the United States, their choice of a star could have reflected their desire to carry a bit of their homeland with them to this new country.

There isn’t much documentation on who chose the star, but a few theories exist. According to an article by T. B. Baldwin from June 24, 1934 in the Dallas News, the star was officially chosen by then Governor Henry Smith. In 1835 Texashad formed a provisional government, still under the rule of Mexico, but deeply dissatisfied with Santa Anna’s leadership. A few days after his inauguration, Governor Smith signed some important documents, and in need of a seal, plucked one of the large brass buttons from his coat, which just happened to have a five-point star.

What came first, the seal or the flag?If that story is true, Smith’s selection of a star was probably not accidental. Just about a month prior, in October of 1835, fighting broke out between the settlers and Mexican soldiers. The skirmish involved a small cannon Mexico had issued to the Texans for their defense against the native Indian population. One of the burrs under Texan saddles against the Mexican rule was its forced disarmament of all provinces. The Texans refused to give the cannon back. Instead, they made a flag with the image of a cannon and the words “Come and Get It.” Directly over the cannon hung a lone star.

History shows that the measure of a nation’s pride is equal to the amount of its fighting to achieve its independence. Texans endured horrific battles, such as the Alamo and the Battle of San Jacinto, among many other atrocities during that revolution. Once Texasgained its independence, its territory covered not only the present-day borders, but also parts of Oklahoma, Kansas, New Mexico, Colorado, and Wyoming. When it acceded to the Union, the borders took their present-day shape, but Texas’ vast square mileage is impressive. So is the pride of its people, who now tag everything with the “lone star” or “star of Texas” name, from state events (the Star of Texas State Fair, the Star of Texas Rodeo) to bed and breakfasts and car dealerships.

Everything is big in Texas refers to more than the geography, just as displaying the lone star of Texasrepresents much more than an affiliation with the state. It has everything to do with the Texan attitude, a bravado that portrayed they could be anything they wanted to be, long before that philosophy became mainstream in pop culture. The oil discovery around the turn of the century only funded the state’s willpower to be great, but one can’t help but think Texaswould still be a great place without it. Look at some of its native sons and daughters – comedian Carol Burnett, rockers Janis Joplin and Tina Turner, “outlaw” country-music star Willie Nelson, firefighter Red Adair, and the two Georges – spunky scrappers, every one.

The result is a state pride unrivaled by any other state in the U.S., and only comparable in the whole world to, well, Americans themselves. And, maybe the Irish. Americans view Texaspride a little like the world views Americans. They are turned off by the swagger, while at the same time curiously awed, and perhaps a little impressed by their success. Then there are the folks who recognize a good thing, and are doing everything they can to get in on it.

The truth is, though some may view that “Don’t Mess with Texas” slogan as cultural elitism, experience with actual Texans says otherwise. Sure, they might view other Americans as foreigners, but once you step foot on Texan soil, they are the most hospitable folk on earth. Upon introduction, they are likely to invite you to sit, chat, eat, drink, and are likely to congratulate you on your choice of locations to visit. Which, curiously, makes you warm up to them, in spite of that ever-so-subtle arrogance. Why? Native Tommy Tune, winner of nine Tony awards, might have the answer: “I think Texans have more fun than the rest of the world.” Indeed, the state’s very name means “friends,” designated by the Native Americans for the first European visitors.

For all of their fierce loyalty, Texans are anything but exclusive. The population is as diverse as New York City, welcoming ethnicities from 26 different nations. And in spite of being portrayed as ignorant hayseed hicks in the media, Texans are highly cultured.

It would take years to see all of the museums, natural wonders, amusement venues, and historical sites Texashas to offer, and that has more to do with its four major cities and diverse geography than its vast size.

What’s missing in the Texasattitude is a holier-than-thou posture. Texans know better than anyone their Lee Harvey Oswalds, Waco stand-offs and UT tower sniper massacres. That toughness that gave the Texas Rangers their notoriety takes a bad turn now and then.

Now, when we spot a bronze star of Texasin an inconspicuous place, we understand it. Once you’ve been to Texas, you want to go back. Once you’ve lived in Texas, you want to stay. Texasstudents get two whole years of Texashistory (in the fourth and seventh grades), and many hear stories and tall tales all their lives from storytellers in their family, a favorite Texaspastime. Texans may have an air of braggadocio, but because of their history and accomplishments, they deserve it. When you’re watching a movie, and a character from Texas is introduced – as a Texan – you know without a doubt that you’re in for something interesting, whether it’s a showdown, colorful dialogue, or a stunning feat of talent. “If you’ve done it, it ain’t braggin,” is one Texasway to put it. So excuse Texans for their shameless pride, independence, and rugged grit – they come by it naturally.

Where Should I Live?You don't have to be a fresh university grad to dream a little about where you should live. Take a little rabbit trail off the road of reality, and imagine that employment opportunities have nothing to do with housing. Would you move immediately? Try this "where to live quiz" below; we'll even give you a few worthy recommendations.